7
stop Fluoridation Now: New Research on Fluoride's Brain and Thyroid Toxicity by Gary Null, PhD, and Martin Feldman, MD Several years have passed since we published a three-part article on water fluoridation entitled "The Fluoride Controversy Continues: An Update" in the Townsend Letter (.see the Decemher 2002, January 2003 and Fehruary/March 2003 issues). Since that time, new research has emerged that offers health-care professionals and patients alike a more thorough understanding of fluoride's adverse effects on the hody. In this article, we will look at the effects of fluoride on two vital aspects of the body's functioning - the central nervous system and hrain and the thyroid mechanism - in more depth than we did in our prior article. We will also explore a newly emerging area of research, which shows that xylitol, a natural sugar suhstitute used in chewing gums and other products, provides consumers with an effective alternative to the fluoridation of puhiie water supply systems in preventing dental cavities. As we reported previously, approximately 162 million Americans on puhiie water systems were receiving fluoridated water in 2000.^^ The US government strongly supports water fluoridation on the grounds that it decreases the rate of dental decay.^''' Yet studies conducted worldwide have failed to validate this claim. In one large study conducted in 1986/87 for example, there was no statistically significant difference in dental decay rates hetween fluoridated and nonfluoridated cities.^ Other research has found a decline in the dental caries rate in countries that do not have fluoridated water. The research also shows that fluoride can have a wide range of negative health effects. Many of these effects were discussed in our previous article, where readers can find a full investigation ofthe topic and supporting references from the scientific literature. By way of review, the following list summarizes some of the major effects offluorideon the body. This accounting should raise serious questions in anyone's mind about the practice of adding fluoride - which, in the case of water fluoridation, is a toxic waste product of the aluminum and fertilizer industries - to community water systems: Dental fluorosis. The prevalence of dental fluorosis, in which the teeth become permanently stained, brown and mottled due to fluoride exposure, has increased in both fluoridated and nonfluoridated communities in recent decades.** Skeletal fluorosis. Fluoride that is deposited in the bones and teeth can cause this crippling disorder. Some experts have suggested that while skeletalfluorosisis rarely reported in the US medical literature, cases may go unrecognized due to a lack of knowledge about the disorder among physicians.^ Bone fractures. Studies have found an association between fluoride and the rate of hip fractures among the Cancer. Links tofluoridationhave been revealed in numerous studies, with one finding that about two-thirds of 36 cancer sites in the body were associated with fluoridated water.'^ Enzyme toxicity and genetic damage. Even 1 ppm of fluoride - an amount deemed safe for water fluoridation - can interfere with biological functions such as DNA repair enzyme activity and cause genetic and chromosomal damage.^^- ^^ Reproductive e:tfects. Fluoride may have negative effects on the male and female reproductive systems, according to several studies.'''"'^ Pineal gland effects. Fluoride's adverse impact on this gland may interfere with the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep cycles, the onset of puberty and other functions.'^ Elevated blood lead levels. Increased levels of lead in the blood of children have been associated with fluoridated drinking water. High levels of lead, in turn, have heen linked to certain health disorders and negative behavioral Brain ejects of fluoride One growing area of research has examined the effects of fluoride on the central nervous system and brain. Recent studies have found that fluoride is a neurotoxin which can affect cerebral functioning, with some research associating the ingestion of fluoridated water with reduced intelligence. Scientific references in this area from human and animal studies deserve careful consideration from physicians and consumers who want to know how the multiple sources of fluoride we are exposed to - fluoridated water, fluoridated toothpaste, fruit juices and soft drinks. infant foods, and others - may affect such a critical aspect ofthe body's functioning. A number of studies on the effect of fluoridated water on children's intelligence come from China, where investigators have compared the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of young people living in high- and low-fluoride areas. These studies include: The mean IQ of 222 children, aged 8 to 13 years, in a high-fluoride village was significantly lower (92.02 ± 13.00) than that of 290 children in a low-fluoride village (100.41 ± 13.21). Higher levels of fluoride in drinking water were significantly associated with higher rates of mental retardation (IQ <70) and borderline intelligence (IQ 70-79). The researchers concluded that "drinking water fluoride levels greater than 1,0 mg/ L may adversely affect the development of children's intelligence."^" Tbe mean IQ of 60 children, aged 10 to 12 years, in an area with a high level of fluoride in drinking water was significantly lower (92,27 ± 20.45) than that of 58 children in a low-fluoride area (103.05 ± 13.86). Tbe high-fluoride area also had more children (21.6%) in the retardation or borderline categories of IQ than did the low-fluoride area (3.4%).^' Among 907 children, aged 8 to 13 years, there was a 15 to 19 point decrease in IQ in cbildren living in an area with a high fluoride exposure compared with those in an area with little or no exposure. Exposure to a high level offluoridemay affect intelligence at an early, rapid stage of development in the embryo and infant. ^^ In addition to studies on intelligence, other research on humans has associated fluoride with problems in hrain functioning. A study of children who grew up in a coal-buming-pattem high-fluoride area in China found that excessive fluoride intake since early childhood would reduce mental work capacity.^^ A study in Mexico found that while children's IQ scores were not influenced by fluoride exposure, other effects on neuropsychological development were associated with cbronic exposure (the main source being tap water.) Urinary fluoride correlated positively with an increase in reaction time, which could affect the attention process, and inversely with low scores in visuospatial organization, which could have an impact on the children's reading and writing M TOWNSEND LETTER for DOCTORS A PATIENTS - APRIL 2005

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Page 1: stop Fluoridation Now: New Research on Fluoride's Brain ...mail.encognitive.com/files/Stop Fluoridation Now-- New Research on... · Fluoride's Brain and Thyroid Toxicity by Gary Null,

stop Fluoridation Now: New Research onFluoride's Brain and Thyroid Toxicity

by Gary Null, PhD, and Martin Feldman, MD

Several years have passed since wepublished a three-part article on waterfluoridation entitled "The FluorideControversy Continues: An Update" in theTownsend Letter (.see the Decemher 2002,January 2003 and Fehruary/March 2003issues). Since that time, new research hasemerged that offers health-careprofessionals and patients alike a morethorough understanding of fluoride'sadverse effects on the hody.

In this article, we will look at theeffects of fluoride on two vital aspects ofthe body's functioning - the centralnervous system and hrain and the thyroidmechanism - in more depth than we didin our prior article. We will also explore anewly emerging area of research, whichshows that xylitol, a natural sugarsuhstitute used in chewing gums andother products, provides consumers withan effective alternative to the fluoridationof puhiie water supply systems inpreventing dental cavities.

As we reported previously,approximately 162 million Americans onpuhiie water systems were receivingfluoridated water in 2000.^^ The USgovernment strongly supports waterfluoridation on the grounds that itdecreases the rate of dental decay. ''' Yetstudies conducted worldwide have failedto validate this claim. In one large studyconducted in 1986/87 for example, therewas no statistically significant differencein dental decay rates hetween fluoridatedand nonfluoridated cities.^ Other researchhas found a decline in the dental cariesrate in countries that do not havefluoridated water.

The research also shows that fluoridecan have a wide range of negative healtheffects. Many of these effects werediscussed in our previous article, wherereaders can find a full investigation ofthetopic and supporting references from thescientific literature. By way of review, thefollowing list summarizes some of themajor effects of fluoride on the body. Thisaccounting should raise serious questionsin anyone's mind about the practice ofadding fluoride - which, in the case ofwater fluoridation, is a toxic wasteproduct of the aluminum and fertilizerindustries - to community water systems:

• Dental fluorosis. The prevalenceof dental fluorosis, in which the teethbecome permanently stained, brown andmottled due to fluoride exposure, has

increased in both fluoridated andnonfluoridated communities in recentdecades.**

• Skeletal fluorosis. Fluoride thatis deposited in the bones and teeth cancause this crippling disorder. Someexperts have suggested that whileskeletal fluorosis is rarely reported in theUS medical literature, cases may gounrecognized due to a lack of knowledgeabout the disorder among physicians.^

• Bone fractures. Studies havefound an association between fluoride andthe rate of hip fractures among the

• Cancer. Links to fluoridation havebeen revealed in numerous studies, withone finding that about two-thirds of 36cancer sites in the body were associatedwith fluoridated water.'^

• Enzyme toxicity and geneticdamage. Even 1 ppm of fluoride - anamount deemed safe for waterfluoridation - can interfere with biologicalfunctions such as DNA repair enzymeactivity and cause genetic andchromosomal damage. - ^

• Reproductive e:tfects. Fluoridemay have negative effects on the male andfemale reproductive systems, according toseveral studies.'''"'^

• Pineal gland effects. Fluoride'sadverse impact on this gland mayinterfere with the hormone melatonin,which regulates sleep cycles, the onset ofpuberty and other functions.'^

• Elevated blood lead levels.Increased levels of lead in the blood ofchildren have been associated withfluoridated drinking water. High levels oflead, in turn, have heen linked to certainhealth disorders and negative behavioral

Brain ejects of fluorideOne growing area of research has

examined the effects of fluoride on thecentral nervous system and brain. Recentstudies have found that fluoride is aneurotoxin which can affect cerebralfunctioning, with some researchassociating the ingestion of fluoridatedwater with reduced intelligence. Scientificreferences in this area from human andanimal studies deserve carefulconsideration from physicians andconsumers who want to know how themultiple sources of fluoride we areexposed to - fluoridated water, fluoridatedtoothpaste, fruit juices and soft drinks.

infant foods, and others - may affect sucha critical aspect ofthe body's functioning.

A number of studies on the effect offluoridated water on children'sintelligence come from China, whereinvestigators have compared theIntelligence Quotient (IQ) of young peopleliving in high- and low-fluoride areas.These studies include:

• The mean IQ of 222 children, aged8 to 13 years, in a high-fluoride villagewas significantly lower (92.02 ± 13.00)than that of 290 children in a low-fluoridevillage (100.41 ± 13.21). Higher levels offluoride in drinking water weresignificantly associated with higher ratesof mental retardation (IQ <70) andborderline intelligence (IQ 70-79). Theresearchers concluded that "drinkingwater fluoride levels greater than 1,0 mg/L may adversely affect the developmentof children's intelligence."^"

• Tbe mean IQ of 60 children, aged10 to 12 years, in an area with a high levelof fluoride in drinking water wassignificantly lower (92,27 ± 20.45) thanthat of 58 children in a low-fluoride area(103.05 ± 13.86). Tbe high-fluoride areaalso had more children (21.6%) in theretardation or borderline categories of IQthan did the low-fluoride area (3.4%). '

• Among 907 children, aged 8 to 13years, there was a 15 to 19 point decreasein IQ in cbildren living in an area with ahigh fluoride exposure compared withthose in an area with little or no exposure.Exposure to a high level of fluoride mayaffect intelligence at an early, rapid stageof development in the embryo andinfant. ^

In addition to studies on intelligence,other research on humans has associatedfluoride with problems in hrainfunctioning. A study of children who grewup in a coal-buming-pattem high-fluoridearea in China found that excessivefluoride intake since early childhoodwould reduce mental work capacity. ^ Astudy in Mexico found that whilechildren's IQ scores were not influencedby fluoride exposure, other effects onneuropsychological development wereassociated with cbronic exposure (themain source being tap water.) Urinaryfluoride correlated positively with anincrease in reaction time, which couldaffect the attention process, and inverselywith low scores in visuospatialorganization, which could have an impacton the children's reading and writing

M TOWNSEND LETTER for DOCTORS A PATIENTS - APRIL 2005

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abilities.^'' A study of structuralfumigation workers found that whileoccupational exposure to suifuryl fluoridedid not cause any widespread pattern ofcognitive deficits, such exposure "may beassociated with subclinical effects on thecentral nervous system, including effectson olfactory and some cognitivefunctions."^^

Fluoride's effect on the human brainalso extends to tbe fetus. An examinationof 15 therapeutically aborted fetuses inthe fiftb to eighth month of gestation froma high-fluoride area documented anumber of changes in the neurons,undifferentiated neuroblasts andmitochondria. The study concluded thatchronic high-fluoride exposure duringintrauterine life "may produce certainharmful effects on the developing brainofthe fetus."^^

Another study shows that lowconcentrations of a variety of salts,including sodium fluoride, significantlyreduce the thermodynamic stability ofthehuman prion protein, and thereby mayhelp promote its conversion to a misfoldedform of the protein that accumulates inthe brain. Prion diseases are fatalneurological disorders that occur inanimals and humans. The humanversions include Creutzfeld-Jacohdisease, Gerstm ann-Straussler-Scheinkerdisease, fatal familial insomnia and

A numher of animal studies also havelinked fluoride to neurotoxic effects, suchas impaired learning and memoryabilities, suppression of spontaneousmotor activity and poor performance inmotor coordination and maze tests. "" ' Astudy hy Dr. Phyllis Mullenix andcolleagues at Forsyth Dental Center inBoston, puhlished in 1995, evaluated tbeeffects of fluoride on the developing brainsof rats, using a computer patternrecognition system to quantify variousaspects ofthe animals'behavior. Prenatalexposure to fluoride was associated witbhyperactivity in offspring, and exposureduring weaning and adulthood wasassociated witb "cognitive deficits." Theseverity of the behavioral effectsincreased directly with plasma fluoridelevels and concentrations in specificregions of the brain following fluorideingestion. The researchers said of theirfindings: "Of course behaviors per se donot extrapolate [across species], hut ageneric hehavioral pattern disruption asfound in tbis rat study can he indicativeof a potential for motor dysfunction, IQdeficits and/or learning disabilities inhumans. " '

One would expect these findings tospur the US government's interest in thecentral nervous system effects of fluoride.

a suhstance it promotes as a safe andeffective way to prevent dental caries. Butthat has not been the case, according toChristopher Bryson in The FluorideDeception. Dr. Mullinex presented herresults to government scientists andpolicy makers in a 1990 seminar held atthe National Institutes of Health.Fourteen years later, says Bryson, "theNIH still has not funded any examinationof fluoride's central-nervous-systemeffects and, according to one seniorofficial, does not currently regard fluorideand central-nervous-system effects as aresearch priority."^*

In a 2004 submission to the NationalResearch Council on fluoride's effect onthe hrain, Ellen Connett of tbe FluorideAction Network notes that Dr. Mullinex'sstudy "has gained support from at leastsix other rat studies.... While tbesestudies bave employed different methodstban Mullinex et al. (1995), they areconsistent in that they have also foundthat fluoride impacts behavior and/orlearning,"^^

For Dr. Mullinex, says Bryson, thefluoride research seems to bave markedthe end of ber academic career. She wasfired from ber job at Forsyth DentalCenter, where she bad been chairwomanofthe toxicology department for 11 years,within days of her paper's acceptance forpublication. Mullinex says that herdismissal was due to conflict over herdecision to publisb the findings on fluorideneurotoxicity, according to a report onSalon.com. (One superior has said she wasdismissed not because oftbe fluoride workbut heeause of work-quality problems.) ^^^

Numerous other animal studies havedocumented the effects of fluoride toxicityon tbe hrain. To summarize some of thisresearch from the past few years alone,animal studies have found that: fluoridemay cross the hlood-hrain barrier,accumulate in the hippocampus andinhihit the activity of the enzymecbolinesterase^"; bigb fluoride intakeduring the early developing stages of lifecan cause significant neurodegenerativechanges in the hippocampus, amygdala,motor cortex and cerebellum^^; sodiumfluoride can induce DNA damage andapoptosis in tbe brain*"; chronic fluorideintoxication during the early stages of lifecan increase oxidative stress in the brain,disturhing the antioxidant defensesystem*'; fluoride inhibits some enzymesinvolved in free-radical metaholism andmembrane functioning in the hrain andin muscle''^; chronic fluoride toxicityreduces tbe numher of neuronal nicotinicacetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), whichare involved in cognitive processes suchas learning and memory*^; selectivedecreases in the number of iiAChRs may

Fluoride's Toxicityplay an important role in themechanism(s) by wbicb fluoride causescentral nervous system dysfunction;'*'' anda bigb concentration of fluoride andfluoride/iodine combined in drinkingwater can cause significant changes in thefatty acid composition of brain cells, witha significant decrease in the proportionof unsaturated fatty acid and an obviousincrease in saturated fatty acid.*^

In an editorial in Fluoride, BruceSpittle discusses biochemical studies thatbave identified mechanisms hy wbicbfluoride could affect hrain functioning. Hesummarizes the research as such:Because fluoride can form a stronghydrogen bond with the amide group, theshape of enzymes may he altered andtheir activity reduced. Aluminofluoridecomplexes stimulate various guaninenucleotide binding proteins - called Gproteins - wbicb may "mimic or potentiatethe action of numerous extracellularsignals and significantly affect manycellular responses. Fluoride ions in thepresence of trace amounts of aluminumare apparently able to act with powerfulpharmacological effects."'*^

In one animal study, rats administeredaluminum fluoride or sodium fluoride inwater had increased levels of aluminumin the brain, neural injury and increaseddeposits of B-amyloid protein in the hrain.Similar deposits have been associatedwith Alzheimer's disease, according to areport in Chemical & Engineering News,The researchers stated that while thesmall amount of fluoroaluminum complexneeded to produce neurotoxic effects wassurprising, "perhaps even moresurprising" was the amount of sodiumfluoride needed - 2.1 ppm.'' '" Anotberset of experiments found that rats givenaluminum fluoride or sodium fluoride indrinking water had occlusions in tbe hloodvessels. In the animals administeredaluminum fluoride, the occlusionsreduced cerehral hlood flow and aerohicmetaholism. There was a reduced numherof cells in two areas ofthe hippocampusand changes in neurofilaments in theneocortex that are "usually considered tohe related to cell dysfunction."*^

Effects on the thyroid mechanismTbe interaction between fluoride and

iodine also has been tbe subject ofresearch, with studies flnding effects onhoth tbe thyroid system and the hrain.The data in this area, on fluoride aloneor the fluoride/iodine relationship,include:

TOWNSENO LETTER tor DOCTORS & PATIENTS - APRIL 2005 57

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Fluoride's Toxicity

• In a study of 7- to 14-year-oIds inChina, those in a higb-fluoride, low-iodinearea had an average IQ of 71, comparedwith 77 in a normal-fluoride, low-iodinearea and 96 in a normal-fluoride, normal-iodine area. Thyroid effects in children inthe higb-fluoride, low-iodine areaincluded a TSH of 21 mU/ml {comparedwith 6 in the normal area), a reverse T3value of 58 ng/dl (21 in the normal area),and a significantly low reverse T3/T3 ratioof 2.91. IQ and TSH were negativelycorrelated in the study, and 69% of thechildren with mental retardation hadelevated TSH levels.' "

• An examination of 165 workers inelectrolysis shops of aluminum productionwith signs of fluoride toxicity also had thefollowing thyroid abnormalities: amoderate reduction in tbe iodine-ahsorhing function of the thyroid and alow level of T3 hormone with a normallevel of T4 hormone.'''

• A study of 200 cbildren from areaswitb fluoride in the drinking water foundan increase in serum parathyroid levelsthat was well correlated witb fluorideingestion. An increase in serumparathyroid concentration was associatedwith a greater severity of clinical andskeletal fluorosis. ^

• A study of workers continuouslyexposed to fluorine found that 51% hadreduced T3 hormone. An analysis of theirimmune status showed that tbe Tlymphocyte count rose but tbat thefunctional activity of the cells declined,indicating an impaired cooperation ofimmunocytes due to imperfect controlunder the low T3 concentrations.^^

• Research found a higherprevalence of goiter (enlargement of thethyroid gland) in two towns in SouthAfrica with high levels of fluoride in thewater, •t

Among animal studies on this topic,an examination of the long-term effectsof various doses of iodine and fluoride onthe pathogenesis of goiter in mice foundthat both an iodine deficiency and aniodine excess could induce goiter andother functional and bistopathologicalchanges in the thyroid. Fluorine affectedthe thyroid changes caused by eitheriodine status. Tbe researchers concludedthat iodine and fluorine bave mutuallyinteracting eflects on goiter in mice.'' ' Ina study of pregnant and lactating micewho drank fluoridated water, 14-day-oldpups had a 75% decrease in plasma freeT4 and reductions of 27% and 17%,respectively, in the cerebellar and cerebralprotein concentrations.^

Countering fluoride toxicityResearch suggests that a numher of

natural substances may oppose theadverse effects of fluoride by preventingor treating tbe toxicity. In his editorial inFluoride, Bruce Spittle notes that dietaryfactors such as an adequate intake ofiodine may protect against high-fluorideeffects on tbe hrain and IQ. He adds thatwhile animal studies have found a partialrecovery of all parameters studied whensodium fluoride and aluminum chlorideare withdrawn, "the administration ofascorbic acid, calcium, or vitamin E, aloneor in comhination, resulted in a morecomplete recovery fromm the toxiceffects. '' Recovery was more pronouncedwith the combination."^*

Otber animal studies bave reportedsimilar fmdings. In one, the effects ofsodium fluoride (including locomotorbehavioral and dental toxicities) wereprevented significantly when the animalsreceived calcium carbonate witb thefluoride.^^ In another study, micereceiving a higher concentration offluoride in drinking water had aremarkable deterioration in learningcapability. However, the administration ofa proper concentration of selenium withthe fluoride could decrease its toxic effects(a concentration of selenium tbat was toobigb produced synergistic toxicities). Tbefindings suggested this mineral "mightantagonize the neurotoxicity of fluorideon behavior and morphology."^"

Xylitol: a safe alternativeAs research continues to raise

questions about fluoride's toxic effects,physicians, dental professionals andconsumers may want to seek out otherways to prevent dental decay than hyconsuming fluoridated water. Onealternative with considerable merit is theuse of xylitol-containing products. Studiesand reviews conducted in tbe past 10years have sbown that this safe, naturalsugar substitute is an effective way toreduce the rate of tooth decay.

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol found incertain forest materials (such as birch andbeech hardwoods) and foods (such asberries, plums, mushroom and lettuce). Itis also produced hy tbe hody from foodsources. Manufacturers use xylitol notonly to replace sugars in foods (it has longbeen used as a sugar suhstitute in thediahetic diet) but also to develop xylitol-containing products for dental use.'"' ^'^The latter include products sucb as xylitolcbewing gums, lozenges, candies, andmouthrinses tbat deliver theanticariogenic suhstance directly to themouth.

An explanation of xylitol'smechanisms of action in reducing dentaldecay, along with otber backgroundinformation, is available on Xylitol.com (aWeh site provided hy the Finnish companyLeaf, which makes xylitol products). Inessence, xylitol's anticariogenic effect isbased on a hiochemical feature of thissugar alcohol: It has five carhon atomsinstead of the six carbon atoms found insweeteners sucb as sorbitol, fructose andglucose. As a result, the bacteria in themouth that cause dental cariesi -streptococcus metans is the worst offender- cannot ferment xylitol in theirmetaholism."^

When a person consumes xylitol thebacteria do not receive the energysupplied hy ordinary sugar (sucrose) thatenahles them to grow, produce acids andlaunch an "acid attack." During thisattack - which lasts more than a half hourafter sugar has heen consumed - the pHof plaque formed hy tbe bacteria fallshelow 5.5, Consequently, calcium andphosphate salts hegin to dissolve from thesurface of the tooth enamel and cavitiesslowly hegin to form. With xylitol, the pHof saliva and plaque does not fall, aciddoes not form, the bacteria do not absorbwell on the teeth, and tbe plaque leveldecreases.' ''

A second anticariogenic effect of xylitolis to stimulate a more alkaline saliva thando other sugar products. This mechanismhelps the saliva to correct incipientdamage to enamel because tbe plaque pHmay rise above 7 after xylitol products areused. Therefore, tbe calcium andphosphate salts in tbe saliva can reachparts of the enamel where tbey aredeficient and the sites begin to hardenagain. ^

Research supporting xylitol'seffectiveness includes the following:

• A randomized controlled trial of 61children found a greater shift from higherscores for streptococcus mutans (S,mutans) to lower scores among suhjectswho chewed xylitol gum tban those in tbecontrol group. ^

• A review of 14 clinical studiespublished hetween 1966 and 2001concluded that the "studies demonstrateda consistent decrease in dental caries,ranging from 30 to 60%, among subjectsusing sugar substitutes" compared withcontrols. Subjects using xylitol had thehighest reductions in caries. ^

• A five-year randomized controlledstudy of 740 10-year-old children foundthat after tbree years, tbe groups usingxylitol candies on scbool days had a highlysignificant reduction of 35% to 60% in theincidence of caries compared with controlgroups.***

58 TOWNSEND LETTER for DOCTORS & PATIENTS - APRIL 2005

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• A randomized controlled trial of151 suhjects found that those who chewedxylitol gum for three months after bavingused a chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthrinsefor 14 days had significantly lowersalivary MS levels than did the placehoor control groups. MS levels did not differsignificantly at haseline or after the CHXtherapy.''^

• A study of 288 children in a two-year gum-chewing program re-examinedthem five years later and found thatxylitol gum and, to a lesser extent, xylitol/sorbitol gum bad a long-term protectiveeffect against caries. During the five yearsafter the gum-cbewing program ended,xylitol gums reduced the caries risk 59%and xyl i to I/sorb itol gums reduced the risk44%. However, tbe gum chewing shouldstart at least one year before permanentteeth erupt to maximize the long-termprotective effects.™

• A two-year study of 169 mother-child pairs found a significant reductionin the probability of transmitting mutansstreptococci (MS) to children whenmothers chewed xylitol gum. Mothers inthe xylitol group began chewing the gumthree months after delivery, while controlsreceived either chlorhexidine or fluoridevarnish treatments at 6, 12 and 18months after delivery. Tbe children didnot chew gum. At 2 years of age, 9.7'7( ofchildren in the xylitol group (whosemothers began chewing gum tbreemonths after delivery) had detectahlelevels of MS, compared with 28.6% ofchildren in the chlorhexidine group and48.5% in the fiuoride varnish group.^'

• The Michigan Xylitol Programme,which studied children, adults andgeriatric suhjects who used salivastimulants, tested the validity of tbe"penitol-hexitol theory," which holds thatsugar alcohols with five hydroxyl groups(penitols such as xylitol) may he moreeffective cariologically than sugar alcoholswith six hydroxyl groups (hexitols suchas sorbitol). The accumulated clinical,sialochemical and microhiologic evidencesuggested that xylitol is more effective inpreventing caries than sorhitol and iscariologically safer. ^

• A 40-month double hlind cohortstudy of 1,277 suhjects compared thecaries rate in groups chewing xylitol,sorhitol or combined gums with a groupthat received no chewing gum. The gumsused in the four xylitol groups were mosteffective in reducing caries rates. A100%xyiitol pellet gum was the most effective

cbildren using xylitol or xylitol/sorhitolgums tban in subjects who received nogum or used sucrose gum. The findingssuggested that "high-xylitol chewing gumusage can retard or arrest even rampantdentine caries in conditions whereeffective restoration and preventionprogrammes have not heen instituted.. ."'

While some studies bave found thatxylitol-containing products did not reducethe levels of S. mutans in saliva,'''"^^otherstudies have confirmed the caries-reducing effects of xylitol and offeredinsight into its mechanisms of action.' ^**

In terms of how hest to use xylitol,another Weh site, Xylitol.org, offers thisadviceiA person needs to consume 4 to 12grams a day to prevent tooth decay. Xylitolis safe for everyone at the caries-preventing level of less tban 15 grams aday, and higher intakes yield diminishingbenefits. Each piece of "all xylitol" mintor gum contains ahout 1 gram of xylitol,so a person might start by taking onepiece four times a day for a total of 4grams. Xylitol should be used at leastthree - and preferably five - times a day.In fact, it may not be effective if it is usedonly occasionally or even once a day. Usethe products immediately after eating(swish water in tbe mouth first), andreplace other gums and mints usedbetween meals witb xylitol-containingproducts."^

A call to armsThe compelling evidence of fluoride's

hrain and thyroid toxicity - and itsadverse effects on other aspects of health- demands an end to the harmful processof water fluoridation. The good news istbat readers who want to oppose the useof fluoride in public water systems willfind it easier than ever to research thistopic and join other health-minded peoplein advocating an end to fiuoridation.

A wealth of timely information isavailahle via the Internet from groupstbat are concerned about fiuoridation.Tbese coalitions have led a revolution inbringing data on fluoride and thefluoridation process into mainstreamsociety through their Web sites. They

Fluoride's Toxicity

provide members and other visitors withthe latest research on this topic as it isreleased, serving as a scientifically soundresource for interested parties. Tbe Wehsites also offer guidance on stepsindividuals can take to opposefiuoridation, sucb as write letters to localpapers and congressional representatives.

Tbe following two groups, for example,do an excellent joh of educating people onthe effects of fluoride on humans and theenvironment:

• The Fluoride Action Network(FAN) is an international coalition whosemain goals are "to educate the puhiie onthe toxicity of fluoride compounds and toend the outdated/hazardous practice ofwater fluoridation." In addition toproviding links to scientific studies, theWeh site bas a news-tracking page withcitations and links for more than 1,200relevant articles puhlished in the US andworldwide in recent years.

Visit FAN'S Weh site,www.fluoridealert.org, for information onfluoridation, fluoride pollution, fluorinepesticides, fluoride health effects andmucb more (802-355-0999). You will alsofind information on bow to become amember of FAN (tbe basic member rateis $25 a year) and support tbis group inits opposition of water fluoridation.

• Second Look is a nationalnonprofit initiative that facilitates puhiieand scientific examinations ofcontroversial public policy issues,including fluoridation. The initiativeexplores the health and environmentaleffects of fluoridation and its complexityas a social and ethical issue. Among otherdata. Second Look's Weh site includes anextensive hihliography of scientificliterature on fluoride that has contributedgreatly to tbis article. US citizens canmake tax-deductihle donations to thisinitiative. Go tovwww.slweb.org (508-755-7352).

Other Weh sites of interest include thefollowing:

• Clinical observations from twochewing gum studies found that after 40months (permanent dentition) or 18months (primary dentition), an arrest ofcaries generally occurred more often in

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For more information or to order these products, visit us online atwww.standardprocess.com or call 800-558-8740.'These statements have not been evaluated by the Food 8 Drug Administration, These products are not intended to diagnose,treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

TOWNSEND LETTER for DOCTORS & PATIENTS - APRIL 2005 59

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Fluoride's Toxicity

• Citizens for Safe Drinking Water(www. nofluori de. com)

• F l u o r i d a t i o n . c o m(www.fluoridation.com)

• Fluoridedebate.com from HealthWay House (www.fluoridedebate.com)

• Parents of Fluoride PoisonedChildren (www.bruha.com/pfpc/)

• New York State Coalition Opposedto Fluoride (www.orgsites.com/ny/nyscofand www.orgsites.com/ny/nyscof2)

• Massachusetts Communities forPure Water (www.saveourwater.org)

• Pennsylvania EnvironmentalNetwork (www.penweb.org/fluoride/)

Another valuable resource isChristopher Bryson's new book, TheFluoride Deception (Seven Stories Press,2004). We recommend this fine scientificbook to readers who are intrigued by thepuzzle of how a substance as toxic asfluoride ended up in our drinking waterand toothpaste in the flrst place. TheFluoride Deception is a fascinatinginvestigation of the politics of waterfluoridation and the fraud that led to its

Correspondence:Gary Null, PhDPO. Box 918, Planetarium StationNew York, New York 10024 USA646-505-4660Fax 212-472-5139precisemd@aol. com

The AuthorsGary Null, PhD, has authored more than

50 books on health and nutrition andnumerous articles published in leadingmagazines. His latest title is Gary Null'sPower Aging (New American Library, 2003).Null holds a PhD in human nutrition andpublic health science from the UnionGraduate School. He maintains a Web siteat www.garynull.com that presents researcharticles on optimizing health throughnutrition, lifestyle factors and alternativemedicine.

Thinking of Writinga Book, but...

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Martin Feldman, MD, practicescomplementary medicine. He is an AssistantClinical Professor of Neurology at the MountSinai School of Medicine in New York City.

References1. FluoridHtion atatiaticB 2000: status of water

fluoridation in the United States. National Centerfor Chronic Diaease Prevention and HealthPromotion, Centers for Disease Control andPrevention. Atlanta, GA, From www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/ractsheets/fl-stats-us2000,htm.

2. Populations receiving optimally fluoridated publicdrinking water - United States. 2000. MMWR Weekly2002; 51(07):144-7.

3. Fluoride Recommendations Work Group.Recommendations for using fluoride to prevent andcontrol dental cariee in the United States. Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention. MMWR 2001;50(RR14): 1-42,

4. lbp achievements in health and well being in the 20thcentury. Department of Health & Human ServiceeAccountahility Report, Fiscal Year 1999. Fromwww.hhs.gov/of/reports/account/acct99/miBc/century, html,

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25. Calvert GM, Mueller CA, Fajen JM, Chrislip DW. etal. Health effects associated with suifuryl fluoride andmethyl hromide exposure among structuralfumigation workers. Am J Public Health 1998;88(12):1774-80.

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27. Apetri AC, Surewicz. Atypical effect of salts on thethermodynamic stability of human prion protein. JSio/Cftem 2003; 278(25);22187-92.Epub2003 AprO3.

28. Sun ZR. Liu FZ, Wu LN, etal. Effects of high fluoridedrinking water on the cerebral functions of mice,Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2000; 19(41:262-3,As cited and ahstracted in Fluoride 2001; 34(l):80.

29. Zhang Z, Xu X, Shen X, Xu X. [Effect of fluorideexposure on synaptic structure of brain areas relatedto learning-memory in mice.] Article in Chinese. WeiSheng Yan Jiu 1999; 28(4):210-2.

30. Van^a P, Ekambaram P, Jayakumar AH. Effects ofsodium fluoride on locomotor behavior and a fewbiochemical parameters in rats. EnvironmentalThxicology and Pharmacology 1998; 6:187-91.

31. Bhatnagar M. Rao P, Sushma J, Bhatnagar R.Neurotoxicity of fluoride: neurodegeneration inhippocampus of female mice./niiiari'/ExpSioJ 2002;40(51:546-54.

32. Mullinex PJ, Denbesten PK, Schunior A, Keman WJ.Neurotoxicity of sodium fluoride in rats. NeurotoxicolTeratol 1995; I7(2):169-77.

33. Burgstehler AW, Colquhoun J. Neurotoxicity offluoride. Editorial. Fluoride 1996; 29(2):57-8.

34. Bryson C. The fluoride deception. Seven Stories FresH,New York, NY. 2004, 13, 20-1.

35. Connett E. Fluoride's effect on the brain. FluorideAction Network Pesticides Project submission toNational Research Council Committee. April 19, 2004.

36. Bryson, op, cit., 22-3.37. Hertsgaard M, Frazer P. Fear of fluoride. Salon.com,

February 17, 1999. From http://archive.salon,com/news/1999/02/17news. html.

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39. Shivarajashankara YM, Shivashankara AR,Gopalakrishna Bhat P, Muddanna Rao S, HanumanthRao S. Histoiogical changes in the brain of youngfluoride-intoxicated rats. Ruoride 2002; 35(11: 12-21.

40. Chen J, Chen X, Yang K, Xia T, Xie H. [Studies onDNA damage and apoptosis in rat brain induced hyfluoride.] Article in Chinese. Zhonghua Yu Fang YiXue Za Zhi 2002; 36(4):222-4.

41. Shivarajashankara YM, Shivashankara P,GopalakHshna Bhat P, Hanumanth Rao S. Brain lipidperoxidation and antoxidant systems of young ratsin chronic fluoride intoxication. Fluoride 2002;35(3);197-203 (as cited by Second Look).

42. Lakshmi Vani M, Pratap Reddy K. Effects of fluorideaccumulation on some enzymes of brain andgastrocnemius muscle of mice. Fluoride 2000;33(11:17-26 (as cited by Second Look),

43. Long YG, Wang YN, Chen J, Jiang SF, et al. Chronicfluoride toxicity decreases the number of nicotinicacetylcholine receptors in rat brain, NeurotosicolTiratol 2002; 24(6):751-7.

44. Chen J, Shan KR, Long YG, Wang YN, et al. Selectivedecreases of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in PC 12cells exposed to fluonde. Tbxicology 2003; 183(1-3):235-42.

45. Shen X, Zhang Z.XuX. [Influence of combined iodineand fluoride on phospholipid and fatty acidcomposition in brain cells of rats.] Article in Chinese.V/ei Sheng Yan Jiu 2004; 33(2):158-61.

46. Spittle B. Fluoride and intelligence. Fluoride 2000;33(21:49-52.

47. Varner JA, Jensen KF, Horvath W, Isaacson RL.Chronic administration of aluminum-fluoride orsodium-fluoride to rats in drinking water: alterationsin neuronal and cerebrovascular integrity. Brain Rea1998;784(l-2):284-98,

48. Brain damage in rats from fluoridated water.Chemical & Engineering News; April 27, 1998; 29.

49. Isaacson RA, Varner JA, Kensen KP. Toxin-inducedblood vessel inclusions caused by the chronicadministration of aluminum and sodium fluoride andtheir implications for dementia, Annals of the NeuiYork Academy of Sciences 1997; 825:152-66, Asabstracted in Fluoride 1998; 31(21:96-9,

50. Lin FF, Aihaiti, Zhao HX, Lin J, et al. The relationshipof a low-iodine and high-fluoride environment tosubclinical cretinism in Xinjiang, Iodine DeficiencyDisorder Neu'stetter 1991; 7(3) (as cited by SecondLook).

TOWNSEND LETTER for DOCTORS & PATIENTS - APRIL 2005

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51. Mikhaileta ND. BaUboIkin Ml, Rakitin VA. DanilovIP. Thyroid function during prolonged exposure to(luorideu, Prohl F.ndokrinot 1996; 42:6-9.

52. Gupta SK. Khan TI, Gupta RC, Gupta AB. et aLCompensatory hyperparathyroidism following highfluoride ingeetion - a clinico-biochemical correlation.Indian Pediatr 2001; 38(21:139-46.

53. Balaboikin MI. Mikhailets ND, Lobovskaia RN,ChernouBova NV. [The interrepationahip of thethyroid and immune Btatuaea of workers with long-term fluoride exposure.] Article in RuBBian. TkrArkh1995; 67(11:41-2,

54. Jooate PL, Weight MJ, Kriek JA, Louw AJ. Endemicgoitre in the absence of iodine deficiency inschoolchildren ofthe Northern Cape Province of SouthAfrica, Eur J Chn Nutr 1999; 53(11:8-12.

55. Zhao W, Zhu H. Yu Z, Aoki K, et al. Long-term effectsof various iodine and fluorine doses on the thyroidand fluoroais in mice. Endocr Regul 1998; 32(2);63-70.

56. Trabelsi M. Guermazi F, Zeghal N. Effect of fluorideon thyroid function and cerebellar development inmice. Fluoride 2001; 34(31:165-73.

37. Chinoy NJ, Patel TN, The influence of fluoride and/or aluminum on free radical toxicity in the brain offemale mice and beneficial efFects of aome antidoteslabstractl. Fluoride 2000; 33; SR (cited in Spittle),

58. Spittle, op. cit.59. Ekambaram P, Paul V, Calcium preventing locomotor

behavioral and dental toxicitiee of fluoride bydecreasing serum fluoride level in rats. EnvironTbxicot Pharmacol 2001; 9(41:141-6.

60. Zhang Z, Shen X, Xu X. [Effects of selenium on thedamage of learning-memory ability of mice inducedby fluoride.! Article in Chinese. Wei Sher\g Yan Jiu2001; 30(31:144-6.

61. Xylitol info: background: making of xylitol, metabolicfeatures of xylitol, and safety. From Xylitol,com.

62. Xylitol.org. Main page. From www,xylitol,org/niain/asp,

63. Xylitol info: FAQ about xylitol. From Xylitol.com.64. Ibid.65. Ibid.66. Autio JT. Effect of xylitol chewing gum on salivary

Streptococcus mutane in preschool children. ASDC JDent Child 2002; 69(1); 81-6. 13.

67. Hayes C. The effect of non-cariogenic sweeteners onthe prevention of dental caries: a review of theevidence. J Dent Educ 2001; 65(101:1106-9.

68. Alanen P, Isokangas P. Gutmann K. Xylitol candiesin caries prevention: results of a field study inEstonian children. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol2000; 28(31:218-24,

69. Hildebrandt GH, Sparks BS. Maintaining mutansstreptococci auppre86ion with xyiitol chewing gum, JAm Dent Assoc 2000] 131(7}:909-16,

70. Hnjoel PP, Makinen KK, Bennett CA, iBotupa KP, etal, Theoptlmum time to initiate habitual xylitol gum-chewing for obtaining long-term caries prevention. JDent Res 1999; 78(31:797-803.

71. Soderling E, Isokangas P, Pienibakkinen K, T^novuoJ. Influence of maternal xylitol consumption onacquisition of mutans streptococci by infants, J DentRes 2000; 79(3):882-7.

72. Makinen KK. Makinen PL. Pape HR Jr, Peldyak J,et al. Conclusion and review ofthe Michigan XytitolProgramme (1986-19951 for the prevention of dentalcaries. Int Dent J 1996; 46111:22-34,

73. Makinen KK. Bennett CA, Hujoel PP, Isokangas PJ,et al. Xyiitol chewing gums and caries rates: a 40-month cohort study. J Dent Res 1995; 74(121:1904-13.

74. Makinen KK, Makinen PL. Pape HR Jr, Allen P. etal. Stabilisation of rampant carien: polyoi gums andarrest of dentine caries in two long-term cohortstudies in young subjects./nfDfniJ 1995; 45(1 Suppll):93-107.

75. Roberts MC. Riedy CA. Coldwell SE. Nagahama S,et al. How xylitol-containing products affectcariogenic bacteria. J Am Dent Aeaoc 2002; 133(41:435-41; quiz 492-3,

76. Soderling E, Isokangas P. l^novuo J, Mustakallio S,Makinen KK. Long-term xylitol consumption andmutana streptococci in plaque and saliva. Caries Res1991; 25(21:153-7.

77. Petersson LG, Birkhed D, Gleerup A. Johansson M,Jonsson G. Caries-preventive effect of dentrificeacontaining various types and concentrations offluorides and sugar alcohols. Caries Res 1991;25(11:74-9-

78. Machiulskience V. Nyvad B, Baelum V. Cariespreventive effect of sugar-substituted chewing gum.Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2001; 29(41:278-88.

79. Gales MA, Nguyen TM. Sorbitol compared with xylitolin prevention of dental caries. Ann Pharmacother2000; 34(1):98-100,

80. Makinen KK, Hujoel PP. Bennett CA, Isokangas P, etal, A descriptive report of the effects of a )6-monthxylitol chewing gum programme subsequent to a 40-iDontb sucrose g\im programme. Caries Res 1998;32(2):107-I2,

81, Makinen KK. Chiego DJ Jr, Allen P, Bennett C, et al.Physical, chemical, and hiatologic changes in dentincaries lesions ofprimary teeth induced hy regular useof polyol chewing gums. Acta Odontol Scand 1998;56(31:148-56.

82. Calamari SE, Azcurra AI, Luna Maldonado ER.Battelhno LJ, et al. Effects of jtylitoi. sorbitol andfluoride mouthrinses on glucuse clearance inadolescents. Acta Odontol Latinoam 1997;10(11:25-36.

83, Makinen KK. Pemberton D, Makinen PL, Cben CY,et al, Poiyoi-combinant saliva stimulants and oralhealth in Veterans Affairs patients - an exploratorystudy. Spec Care Dentist 1996; 16(3):104-15.

Fluoride's Toxicity84. Trahan L, Bourgeau G, Breton R. Emergence of

multiple xylitol-resistant (fructose PTS-lmutantsfrom human isolates of mutans streptococci duringgrowth on dietary sugars in the presence of xylJtoL JDent Res 1996; 75(11): 1892-900.

85. Scheinin A, Soderling E, Scheinin U. Glass RL. KallioML. Xylitol-induced changes of enamel microhardnessparalleled by microradiographic observations. ActaOdontol Scand 1993; 51(41:241-6.

86. Isogangas P, Makinen KK. Tiesko J. Alanen P, Long-term effect of xylitol chewing gum in the preventionof dental caries: a follow-up 5 years after terminationof a prevention program. Caries Rea 1993; 27(6):495-8.

87. Xylitol.org. Main page. From www.xyHtol.org/main. asp.

88. Bryson, op. cit. ^

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TOWNSENO LETTER for DOCTORS » PATIENTS - APRIL 2005 61

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